Design Dispatch

Decorated art historian and curator, Prof. Keith Sciberras has been named the awardee of the 2024 Gold Medal, a long-standing tradition carried out by the Malta Society of Arts since 1896, "in recognition of his achievements in the field of History of Art and his contribution towards the conservation of Palazzo de La Salle.” 👏 Read more here 👉 https://lnkd.in/drtJ52k5 📸 Via Treasures from Malta podcast / Facebook

AP Valletta took home the top honour at Din l-Art Ħelwa - The National Trust of Malta's annual architectural heritage awards at Palazzo de la Salle - the Judge Maurice Caruana Curran Prize, which recognizes the best overall winner in all award categories, as well as the Restoration and Conservation of Buildings award for the restoration of St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral. Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/d4dAz6X7 📸 Din l-Art Helwa

An urban design and strong contrasts define this Sliema hotel inspired by the city of London https://lnkd.in/d_dAiCew "The interior design is a blend between the timelessness of tradition and the vibrant pulse of modernity, creating a space that is at once elegant and contemporary.” Creative studio DAAA Haus takes us through its vision for The Londoner Hotel in Sliema, a 51-room accommodation marked by a minimalist and sophisticated aesthetic inspired by the great British capital. 📸 Diana Iskander

At these local restaurants, opulent interiors set the tone for a memorable meal https://lnkd.in/dmtyShpE For many new or much-loved and refurbished eateries around the island, the importance of great food is equal to the attention given to crafting interior spaces that immerse guests in a complete, sensory experience. From bold colours to fine finishes, we’ve singled out six eateries with striking interiors that leave a lasting impression. 📸 Ramon Portelli / Brian Grech / Gracy's Art & Supper Club

From a fort to a cultural centre: revisiting the remarkable transformation of St James Cavalier https://lnkd.in/dveHFW88 24 years since its adaptation from an austere military structure to a vibrant space for the arts, led by architect Richard England, Spazju Kreattiv remains one of Valletta’s most prominent cultural attractions with a storied history that continues to fascinate visitors, artists and performers alike. Here's a look back at its timeline, restoration and internal transformation. 📸 Spazju Kreattiv

Art from near and far https://lnkd.in/d_8hKPHX This month is a bustling one for Malta’s art scene with plenty of exhibitions to explore in various locations around the island. From the anticipated ‘Transcending the Domestic’ by Joana Vasconcelos, which launched the new Malta International Contemporary Arts Space (MICAS) in Floriana, to photographer Claus Goedicke’s exhibition ‘Dinge’ on display at the Jo Borg Gallery in Sliema, check out the full list at the link above. 📸 In order of appearance: MICAS / Marie Gallery 5 / Jo Borg Gallery

Colour, neon and an edgy urban aesthetic define this apartment at Mercury Tower https://lnkd.in/dFirJ_Nu Tasked with designing the interiors of a short-lets apartment within the St Julian's high-rise, Martina Fenech Adami, founder of Studio Niche, turned to the site’s surroundings and location as a starting point. “It needed to stand out and leave a lasting impact, just as a hotel would, but with a design that fits in with the urban environment and that resonates with the target audience and client.” Read all about her approach and design direction at the link above. 📸 Ramon Portelli

“Beauty resides in the details. And in the details, you find innovation and functionality.” - Fratelli Frattini For the most part, a faucet is a purely functional object. For Rubinetterie Fratelli Frattini, a business established in 1958 and available at Banju Boutique Ltd for over 45 years, a faucet is so much more. From sleek designs in stainless steel to elegant polished and shiny chrome faucets, find out what makes Frattini's collections a cut above: https://lnkd.in/dRDBPdcF 📸 Fratelli Frattini

"We’re starting a new chapter" – Edith Devaney, artistic director of the Malta International Contemporary Arts Space (MICAS) Long before its inauguration today - where the former Ospizio Complex in Floriana will come alive with the grand works of Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos - MICAS has been a hive of activity, engaging Maltese and international artists for its artistic programme, who "have been challenged to leverage Malta and its culture to inform their approach to the selection and placement of work in the galleries and grounds.” We caught up with artistic director Edith Devaney to find out what's in store. 📸 Courtesy of MICAS

‘A time for recollection and affinity’ – Chris Briffa Architects marks its 20th anniversary https://lnkd.in/dQ7pkzuR Chris Briffa Architects, an architectural studio of Maltese and international repute founded by Chris Briffa, marks its 20th anniversary this month, a poignant milestone in its journey since its humble beginnings back in 2004, making it a "a time for recollection and affinity, in an attempt to rekindle the same energy and idealism which started it all.” 📸 In order of appearance: Kris Micallef / Chris Briffa Architects / Hanna Briffa